Director Innovation Pharma/Consumer Packaging/Medical Device

The Company

kp is a globally recognised leader in the packaging and specialty film industry, renowned for its unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation. The need to act on climate change has never been clearer so we incorporate sustainability into everything we do by #InvestingInBetter - creating innovative products that enhance product protection, shelf life and contribute to reducing the overall carbon footprint.

At kp, we are passionate about ensuring our customers' satisfaction, and we strive to achieve this goal by focusing all our efforts on meeting their evolving needs. Our dedication to drive a positive change in the packaging industry with a focus on quality and sustainability has earned us a reputation as a trusted partner for businesses worldwide.

kp  is currently looking for an Innovation Director who will lead the Global Innovation team within our Pharma, Health & Durables Division. This role involves overseeing new product development activities, as well as providing Customer Pharma/Medical Device services and critical support to customers and plants. The Innovation Director plays a crucial role in fostering and promoting innovation processes, creating a highly innovative environment within the Pharma business. Additionally, you will be responsible for driving continuous improvement in products, processes, cost effectiveness, quality, and performance, with a primary focus on Pharma.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Develops global Pharma product and technology strategy in close collaboration with Business Manager (PLM) Pharma/MD/CP and other peers
• Lead complex new product development through our stage gate process, and leading cross-functional project teams
• Responsible for supporting the drive for growth through both internal and external partners, especially focusing on customers
• Identify and promote opportunities for growth beyond actual solution portfolio
• Identify product alternatives, fabricating and evaluating prototypes
• Leads the global Innovation Pharma team  and develops excellent people for innovative and technical positions
• Leads global services team and directs the team in close collaboration with the local Sales Directors/ Business Development  to ensure excellent customer and sales support for new qualifications or packaging requirements, stability studies, or design / qualification of blisters in Thermoforming
• Leads and drives sustainability in the portfolio for industry leadership
• Interacting directly with end-users to develop product concepts based on true market needs.
• Create integrated product designs that consider product performance and manufacturing cost trade-offs.
• Technical lead for designing polymeric film (and coating) experiments, analyzing, documenting, and summarizing results to support strategic product (and process) platform development.
• Working closely with core technology associates to guide development of needed materials technology.
• Create a multigenerational product roadmap in alignment with customers and aligned with business.
• Identify opportunities for advocacy and lead opportunities to be part of technical committees, organization or presenting at conferences
• Maintain an astute knowledge of relevant technical trends within the industry.
• Identify patent opportunities and supporting the patent application process.

Who we are looking for:

You might be a fit if you hold a University Degree in Engineering or Science, specifically Polymer Engineering, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field or other degree with a minimum of 15 years of relevant business experience. A Ph.D. with experience in OSD Blister Packaging for Pharma would be a big advantage.

Knowlegde and Skills:

• Excellent technical knowledge in extrusion, lamination, coatings and barrier properties
  • Background in calendaring, Muti layer extrusion
• Strong knowledge in polymers
  • Preferred in PVC, PET, Polyolefins, and blends/ tie layers resulting in Blister Packaging with low, medium, and high barrier
• Excellent knowledge in Pharma market and translating megatrends into business needs
• Project management experience leading cross-functional teams from concept to commercialization, utilizing StageGate
• Portfolio Prioritization for innovation and business impact
• Experienced in Six Sigma+Lean (Greenbelt)
• Excellent communication, coaching, influencing, problem solving, and facilitation skills are essential
• Highly collaborative and flexible style. Excellent ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional, cross-regional and matrix organizations.
• Language proficiency – English required; German helpful

Apply Now!

If you are determined, thrive in a fast-paced environment with high levels of accountability and focus, then we’d love to meet you! Please apply using the link below.

At kp, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is vital to our global success. We welcome applicants from all identities, ideas, perspectives and experiences and encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. We aim to create an inclusive culture where our employees feel empowered to play to their strengths and see themselves reflected in the organization without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, sexual preference, marital status, or inclusion in any other protected class.